ABOUT

The passion and purpose that drives B. McDonald Therapy is to help each and every client - no matter what has happened in the past - build an enduring foundation for a happy, healthy, manageable and productive life (even in an uncertain world); a life that isn't defined or overwhelmed by feelings of anxiety, shame, or failure; a life that matters and has value (even in moments of fear); and that can, at the same time, be lived on the individual's terms.

The goal is to assist clients in strengthening their own unique sense of self while helping them gain the knowledge and skill to construct such a life worth living - and to do this in a validating, non judgmental, collaborative way.

It all started with an elective psychology class in undergrad at University of South Carolina, which began my path of a major in psychology. (Originally, I was going to major in business. It was my dream to own an antique shop...)

I had always been emotional and sensitive myself. After majoring in psychology and finding I had a passion for working with and helping people, I knew I had to continue my studies in human behavior and emotion. I applied to graduate programs that focused on clinical social work; and I wrote my entrance essay to New York University on suicide and suicidality, where I was accepted and attended.

I had amazing experiences in New York working with others; especially with populations I hadn't experienced before, such as clients struggling with heroin addiction in Spanish Harlem in a methadone maintenance clinic, and underprivileged children in Chinatown. After graduating with a Master of Social Work in 1998, I moved back to Greenville, SC to share all that I had learned with my hometown, and to continue to find and develop my niche.

I began my career at Anderson, Oconee, Pickens Mental Health working with Children and Adolescents.  A few years after, I joined the staff at Marshall Pickens Psychiatric hospital, where I worked with geriatric adults, adults, children and adolescents in inpatient and partial hospitalization programs.  It was an amazing learning experience and I am thankful for the relationships with colleeagues and mentors I formed there.

​But, I continued to want to expand my experience. In 2004, I was asked to join Three Springs DBT Group to provide the  Standard DBT Program developed by Marsha Lineham. Over the next decade, I intensively trained in DBT, and developed a sub-specialty working with clients who struggled with OCD and Anxiety Disorders.  I decided I wanted to branch out and begin to get more education and training specific to OCD and Anxiety Disorders.

​After years of experience in other in- and out-patient treatment environments with children, adolescents and families, I knew I wanted to provide DBT-informed therapy, and to further explore, train and specialize in the treatment of anxiety and OCD Spectrum Disorders.

So, I took the leap (even though I was really anxious and scared). I've been on my own as B. McDonald Therapy, LLC since 2013, and I have loved it.  It’s been fun and interesting to treat a wide variety of issues with well researched and evidence based methods!  I love learning and continuing to grow my knowledge and skill so I can better serve my clients.  I regularly attend continuing education trainings, am involved in my state Clinical Social Work Society, attend OCD conferences and am a member of the IOCDF.  In addition to my training in DBT and ERP, I am also trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT-said as the word, not as the letters). My goal as a therapist is to help my clients to grow themselves, their skills, their connection with self and others and to not depend on therapy.  I teach my clients how to do these things so they can be independent and follow their own path.